Aerobic and Anaerobic Treatment Technology for Treatment of Industrial Wastewater

Aerobic and anaerobic treatment are two major types of biological wastewater treatment methods that help decompose the organic waste present in the wastewater.

As of 2024, industries worldwide generate approximately 300 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually, with treatment becoming a critical environmental and economic challenge.

The primary difference between the two processes is the use of oxygen.

The microorganisms in aerobic systems perform their function in the presence of oxygen, whereas in anaerobic systems, the decomposition process is carried out by microbes in the absence of it.

Read on to find out more about aerobic and anaerobic treatment technologies, origins, differences, advantages and disadvantages, and much more.

Brief History of Aerobic and Anaerobic Treatment

Aerobic treatment of wastewater began to be used more than 100 years ago, back in the 1890s.

The trials were first conducted in the UK and then in the US.

An aerobic system based on the principle of the activated sludge process was first studied by scientists around 1914.

As for anaerobic wastewater treatment, the sludge digestion process came into existence at the end of the 19th century in the UK.

Around 1927, the first heated tank unit was established in Germany.

Today, both aerobic and anaerobic treatments have evolved, gained recognition, and are used for different purposes.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Treatment Differences

The selection of aerobic and anaerobic treatment of wastewater depends on a large number of factors, including wastewater parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc.

In addition, COD, BOD, treatment duration, effluent quality, microbe quantity, and energy required are also considered.

This is the reason several experts believe the combination of both the systems and technologies is very beneficial.

However, there are many differences between aerobic and anaerobic treatment.

In most cases, the aerobic treatment method is utilized for wastewater with COD less than 1000 mg/L and when oxygen is a necessity for successful treatment.

In the aerobic process, oxygen and biomass are used to decompose organic waste, which is turned into carbon dioxide and water.

Apart from decomposition, pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus are also treated through nitrification and denitrification processes.

Anaerobic treatment is used for wastewater with a COD of more than 1000 mg/L, which means higher organic loading.

Also, organic matter is decomposed by microbes in the absence of oxygen and creates harmless by-products such as carbon dioxide, water, and methane.

Other differences include investment, energy consumption, and sludge yield, which are higher for aerobic treatment than for anaerobic treatment.

As for technologies, Activated Sludge Process (ASP), Trickling Filter, and Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) are used for aerobic wastewater treatment.

Anaerobic Digestors (AD), Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTR), Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR), and Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactors are utilized in anaerobic wastewater treatment.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Treatment Advantages & Disadvantages

Aerobic treatment has the advantage of less odour as no hydrogen sulphide or methane is produced.

Moreover, it has better nutrient removal efficiency than anaerobic treatment.

High energy consumption and maintenance costs are some of the disadvantages.

Plus, extra costs are incurred to remove undigested solid waste.

The anaerobic treatment produces methane or biogas, which is a major advantage as it can be used as a renewable source of energy.

Organica Biotech is a leading company that provides advanced and efficient solutions for both aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment systems.

Cleanmaxx ANB and Cleanmaxx ANB Plus contain special microbes that effectively help degrade organic matter.

Click the images below to learn more about the products.

Recent Advancements in Treatment Technologies

Recent innovations in wastewater treatment have led to more sustainable and efficient processes.

Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) combine membrane filtration with anaerobic digestion, offering high-quality effluent, reduced sludge production, and a compact footprint.

Additionally, partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) processes and microalgae-based treatments have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional methods.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Globally, approximately 40% of domestic wastewater is discharged without safe treatment, underscoring significant gaps in wastewater management.

In response, many governments are enforcing stricter wastewater discharge standards, with the EU aiming for a 100% treatment target by 2040.

Economic Implications and Future Trends

The industrial wastewater treatment market is projected to reach approximately $13.9 billion by the end of 2024, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, reaching around $24.29 billion by 2033.

This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of advanced treatment technologies and the implementation of stricter environmental regulations.

In summary, aerobic and anaerobic treatment technologies have undergone significant advancements, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability.

With increasing global industrialization and stricter environmental policies, the demand for innovative wastewater treatment solutions will continue to grow in the coming years.